Dr. Baboucarr Cham has resigned as Principal of the Sami Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences following public scrutiny over an alleged conflict of interest in his roles within Gambia’s nursing education and regulation sector.
Sources close to the matter confirm that the resignation came shortly after The Alkamba Times published a detailed report highlighting growing concerns among nurses, midwives, and members of the Gambia Nurses and Midwives Council (GNMC).
The controversy centered on Dr. Cham’s dual positions: as head of the newly established Sami Institute in Abuko and as a long-serving member of the body responsible for setting questions for the high-stakes Gambia National Licensing Examination (GaNLEX).
Critics argued that his involvement risked compromising the fairness and integrity of the national licensing process, which determines professional practice eligibility for nurses and midwives nationwide. Questions for GaNLEX are drawn from a central bank contributed by accredited institutions, and stakeholders feared that
Dr. Cham’s influence at both Sami Institute and Gambia College School of Nursing and Midwifery could give an unfair advantage to students from institutions linked to him.
The GNMC had previously acknowledged the concerns, with Deputy Registrar Mr. Alasana Darboe noting that Dr. Cham had not actively participated in relevant examination meetings since Sami’s establishment and that the institute had submitted no questions to the central bank.
He assured that a formal council meeting would address the issue in accordance with established protocols, emphasizing that no compromise to exam integrity had occurred to date.
Dr. Cham had strongly defended his record, denying any wrongdoing and stressing that he does not participate in setting or conducting GaNLEX examinations. He highlighted his declarations of conflict when they arise, his extensive experience in nursing education—including roles as Senior Lecturer and Chief External Examiner—and the independent oversight provided by bodies such as the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA). He described the allegations as largely based on misinformation and affirmed that his integrity remains paramount.
A source at the Sami Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences addressed the matter publicly, confirming Dr. Cham’s resignation while praising his contributions as a dedicated nurse educator and leader. The institution noted that his decision to step down from the GaNLEX-related role was voluntary, aimed at protecting his reputation and ensuring transparency in the sector.
Supporters view his long service, including leadership in the National Association of Gambia Nurses and Midwives, as a net positive for addressing healthcare workforce shortages.
This episode has intensified calls for stricter conflict-of-interest guidelines in nursing education and regulation. As Gambia’s health training institutions expand to meet critical needs, stakeholders are urging the GNMC, Ministry of Health, and regulators to implement clearer recusal protocols and membership criteria for examination bodies.
The development, according to insiders, underscores the importance of maintaining public trust in the training of ethical and competent healthcare professionals. The GNMC’s upcoming discussions are expected to provide further clarity on structural safeguards. The nursing fraternity continues to closely monitor the situation, with many hoping the resolution strengthens accountability without diminishing the valuable expertise of seasoned educators like Dr. Cham.
